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Contesting the Past in A Time of Democratic Backsliding

Acta Legis Turkuensia 1/2024 s. 5–43
19.11.2025
Opiskelijakirjoitus

In the early 21st century, democracy encountered challenges around the world, without yet reaching a level of global crisis. Recently, however, established democracies have seen a rise in intolerance and right-wing populism, with the phenomenon of democratic backsliding becoming a significant concern. Particularly within the European Union, efforts to promote democracy have been hindered by both domestic challenges and external influences from authoritarian states.

This article, conducted as part of a law school workshop on the future of law, employs a social sciences case study method to explore current democratic challenges and the role of memory politics and memory laws in Eastern Europe and Russia. It addresses three interconnected themes: the challenges facing democracy, self-perception of contemporary Russia as a great power and the use of memory politics in Eastern Europe and Russia to advance political agendas.

The article concludes that memory politics and memory laws have a considerable influence on historical interpretations in the post-Soviet region, often prioritising national memories and ideological viewpoints. Accordingly, memory politics and memory laws have intensified state tensions, both within the European Union and between Central and Eastern Europe and Russia. An examination of Russia’s self-perception as a great power clarifies how historical memory and a narrative of national prestige continue to define its national identity. Its advocacy for a multipolar world order reflects an aspiration to assert sovereignty and counterbalance Western hegemony, despite current strained relations with the West.

Asiasanat
• Demokratia - Oikeuspolitiikka - Venäjä